Ghosts Season 3 Episode 4, “Halloween 3: The Guest Who Wouldn’t Leave,” is a delightful Halloween romp in spring. Episodes like this are opportunities to showcase the true depth of this ensemble and the character work that this series continues to excel at portraying. Watching the Woodstone family navigate guests always makes for some drama that never fails to entertain. This episode may have aired in the spring, but the Halloween vibes are immaculate.
Truly, the star of this episode is Pete (Richie Moriarty), who continues to prove that he is among Woodstone’s underrated MVPs. While so much time has passed, it’s clear that Pete harbours much hurt and resentment after finding out that his wife had an affair while he was still alive. This makes him downright human. There’s something deeply relatable about watching him lose his cool after having to stuff his feelings for so long.
Carol’s (Caroline Aaron) untimely demise is a chance to examine not only her legacy but her relationship with her late husband. Evidently, these two have much to work through now that they’ll presumably be spending at least some time together in the afterlife. This presents a whole host of new opportunities for Pete and Carol, as well as the rest of the ghosts. How will Carol fit in with this crew? Will she and Pete be sucked off once they’ve made amends? The possibilities are intriguing. This demonstrates how well the series is able to stay fresh and really lean into its premise.
Ghosts Season 3 Episode 4, “Halloween 3: The Guest Who Wouldn’t Leave,” also gives viewers a chance to continue to delve into the lovable chaos that is Sam (Rose McIver) and Jay’s (Utkarsh Ambudkar) relationship. It’s always sweet watching both of them get caught up in ghostly shenanigans, even though Jay can’t see them. Additionally, watching them fangirl over foodie experts makes them both incredibly relatable. While the end result may be chaos, watching them try their best is fun.
Relatedly, this episode spotlights Sam and her continued growth as a character. It’s always a good reminder that being able to see ghosts when no one around you can is a heavy burden to bear. It makes perfect sense that she would get short with the ghosts on occasion, particularly while surrounded by livings who are none the wiser. Even when she has the best intentions to help the ghosts, she’s one person. Her storyline here is incredibly human. Watching her balance her desire to help with her need to establish boundaries makes her that much easier to love.
Finally, this episode takes full advantage of the Halloween season and opens up some heartwarming possibilities. Watching Thor (Devan Chandler Long) pine for Flower (Sheila Carrasco) is nothing less than endearing. Clearly, Flower’s story isn’t over. Hopefully, Thor will be able to hold out just a little bit longer until Flower can return to Woodstone (if anyone can figure out how to get her out of a well).
When Ghosts is at its best, it combines effective character growth and magnetic ensemble work. Halloween is a perfect setting to showcase Woodstone at its best. With a new addition to the ghostly crew, as well as the reveal that Flower is still in the game, there is no telling what is next for this chaotic little family. If the series can continue to make the most of its premise, the rest of this season is sure to be something special to watch.
Ghosts airs Thursdays at 7:30/6:30c on CBS.